Prabhas Patan, Somnath Kshatra in Gujarat, is the home before the 12 holy geotorling of Lord Shiva. Located on the banks of the Arabian Sea, this ancient temple mentions in holy texts like Skanda Purana and Shiva Purana.

The Somnath temple is believed to be built in four stages in Gujarat, each of which is using a separate material.

Sleep: The first phase Chandra, the moon was made out of gold by God.

silver: The second phase was built out of silver by the demon king Ravana of Lanka.

Wood: The third phase was made from sandalwood by Lord Krishna.

Stone: The fourth phase was built out of stone by Solanki ruler Bhimdeva of Gujarat.

The temple is characterized by a grand 155-foot peak, a 10-ton urn and a 27-fit Dhavajandand, one of the most seen Shiva Shrine in India. Initially vested in Shaivism, Somnath symbolizes the tradition of Naya (dance) and Gana (music), where spiritual devotion merges with artistic expression. The Natya Mandap stands as a will for this legacy.

To revive this tradition, Somnath Festival of Dance and Music, Curate by the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited, Ignaka Regional Center Vadodara, honored the artists for celebrating Mahashi. Festival, Veena, Bhajan, Raas and Dyaro, the specialty, offers a kind tribute to Lord Shiva, which re -connects the temple with its rich artistic past.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the three -day Somnath Festival, marking Mahashivratri at Somnath, before a grand festival, twelve Jyotirlingas and a revered pilgrimage site. He described the festival as a harmonious mix of faith, devotion and art. Conducted by the Tourism Department of Gujarat, this year’s festival is “Kala Drugada Aradhana” (worship through art).

He emphasized that Somnath is not just a religious milestone, but is a symbol of flexibility, cultural heritage and Indian identity. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said that Somnath gives the example of ‘Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat’ initiative. In this context, he accepted Somnath-Tamil Sangam and Kashi-Tamil Sangam as an important cultural exchange.

Calling this first Somnath festival a divine coincidence, the Chief Minister highlighted his alignment with the 150th birth anniversary of leader Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel behind the reconstruction of the temple. He also talked about the spiritual significance of Triveni Sangam, where Saraswati, Reeran and Kapila rivers are found near the Arabian Sea. To mark the occasion, he announced a special evening aarti with 108 lamps at Triveni Sangam during the festival.

Before official inauguration of the festival, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel attended the holy Sangam Aarti at Triveni Sangam, offering prayers on the spiritually important site.

A special three -day exhibition, Anumkam – Dartus, Vyadam (Vyadam – Nadasya Yatra) “Instruments – A Journey of Sound,” sounds deep relations between “sound, spirituality and artistic expression. Showing the development of musical instruments in Holy Indian traditions, exhibition highlights their mythological importance and representation in sculpture arts.

Additionally, the “Sangam Aarti” will be held every evening at Triveni Ghat, which will feature 108 lamps at the holy confluence of Kapila, Reeth and Saraswati rivers.

Scholars of Shri Somnath Sanskrit Mahavidyala hosted seminars on “Somnath: Temple, Tirtha and Tradition” ((assembly, trisha, rich, layers, euria,) in the morning of 24th and 25 February 2025, by removing the temple’s spiritual and historical heritage.